The Crackle

Pioneering sound artist Matthew Herbert adapts the Faust legend for The Royal Opera in the Linbury Studio Theatre.

Most recent performance

There are currently no scheduled performances of The Crackle.
It was last on stage 5–12 April 2014 as part of the Spring 2013/14 season.

Introduction

A music teacher and armchair academic dreams of brilliance. When a stranger offers him powerful technology he immediately accepts – but his hasty decision will have horrifying consequences.

Background

To complement the revival of Gounod's Faust on the main stage, the Linbury Studio Theatre hosts two contemporary retellings of Goethe's classic legend, Luke Bedford's Through His Teeth, and Matthew Herbert's The Crackle.

The quirky, sad and singular soundworld of Matthew Herbert has won him devoted acolytes the world over. Bespoke electronics and live music interplay in The Crackle, another step along Herbert's voracious fascination with sound. He incorporates sound sampled from everywhere – suckling pigs, exploding bombs – in music that is at once introspective, thought-provoking and joyful.

Faustian Pack

April 2014

The Crackle is part of Faustian Pack, in which the Royal Opera House explores the fascination of the Faust legend.

Running times

The performance lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes; there is no interval.

Language

Sung in English

Chirp

Please note that this performance makes use of a mobile application called Chirp.
Chirp allows you to send and receive images via sound. Throughout the performance the artists on stage will be using Chirp as part of the music and to send the audience words and images associated with the piece.